Mateo had an incredibly unique and challenging start to his life. Following birth, his lungs collapsed and he suffered a severe HIE after a prolonged 57 minutes of no oxygen. As machinery was unplugged and time of death was called, the head doctor saw a faint pulse on the monitor, administered another drug, and was able to open Mateo's lungs. Much like Lazurus, he was risen from the dead.
The journey continued to the NICU where they froze his body for three days; he was their most complex and difficult case. Through protocol to reanimate the body, Mateo coded, suffered another 24 minutes lack of oxygen from extubation, and went into epileptic seizures. He fought for his life, relying completely on O2 machines and the knowledge of the skilled nurses and doctors. Our hopes remained but the staff kept us grounded to the severity and risks. With visible improvements, he was discharged after 27 days and allowed to come home with all those uncertainties.
Now at almost 3 years old, Mateo is defying the odds. Still requiring a militia of specialists, therapists, and doctors, we ensure he is surrounded by continuous love and optimism as he writes his story and reaches milestones in his own time. His strength and determination is a testament for us to continue to strive forward and find our own positivity in life. I am proud to be his father and proud to call him my hero.
In honor of Mateo, and other children that have suffered hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, we are participating with Hustle for Hope for the second year in a row to continue to raise awareness. Any donation will help with research and give hope to families that are all too familiar with the struggles and uncertainties that their warriors face.
